Lighted picture frame

ABSTRACT

A picture frame illuminated and decorated by several LEDs, distributed along the face of parallel sides, as well as top and bottom of the picture frame and controlled by software, which is programmed into a micro-controller. The lighted picture frame comprises of a printed circuit board, a motion detector element, a light sensor element, a push button, battery compartment, one or more one-color, bi-color or tri-color LED independently or collectively connected to printed circuit board by wires, or by printed wires. A current limiting resistor network is connected in series with LEDs. Electronic circuit is powered by a DC power source, which can be either battery or a DC adapter. LEDs flash and illuminate in different patterns and sequences controlled by software. LEDs are individually or collectively controlled by software, making it possible to create a variety of light and pattern combinations. Either the motion detector element or the push button can wake up the controller from sleep mode and restart program flow for a duration specified by software, before the micro-controller goes to sleep mode again. Frame can come in different shape, size and material such as wood, metal, glass, plastic, foam or any combination of different materials, and can be covered and decorated with different shapes and materials such as leather, aluminum, glass, ceramic, metal, etc. The illuminated frame has all elements found in a basic picture frame, such as easel back plate, transparent plate, etc. Printed circuit board and battery can be installed in a compartment within the body of the picture frame, covered by the back plate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention generally relates to display devices. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a new lighted pictureframe where a set of LEDs, mounted and distributed along the face of adecorated picture frame, are illuminated under control of software, tocreate colorful and attractive patterns and sequences of light and toattract the attention of viewers.

[0003] 2. Related Art

[0004] Picture frames are well known and used everywhere. Also lightshows and light decorations exist in many applications and places, suchas signs, displays, Christmas lightings and so on.

[0005] There are also display devices, which have combined pictureframes with lights. However, prior designs are intended to somehow andby some means to illuminate the display item itself, and they aredesigned to accommodate other specific applications than thisapplication, while the intention of this invention is to provide somemeans to light and decorate the frame itself with a newer fashion andtechnology. It is desirable to provide an improved and more advanceddisplay device, which converts a conventional picture frame into anattractive lighted artwork.

[0006] Majority of lighted displays consume higher current and thereforeuse larger batteries, which lasts for only a short period of time andmakes them impractical. In some other cases they use direct connectionto power source through a DC adapter or direct plug-in into wall outlet,while the entire electronic circuit and battery cell of this inventionfits on a printed circuit board as small as two quarters, making itpossible to install the printed circuit board in a small compartment onthe back of a picture frame. Use of low current and high intensity LED,smakes this invention very practical as a manufacturing and marketingpoint of view.

[0007] This invention specifically is different in that, it can be usedto light up and decorate a vast variety of existing picture frame typeswith colored flashing lights in different patterns and create fashionart in picture frame industry, combining light and artwork, makingpicture frames more attractive. This invention also employs the mostrecent technology available today in the field of embedded controllerswhich minimizes parts count, power consumption, placement and spaceconsiderations and makes it cost effective and profitable formanufacturing purposes and makes it possible to operate the electronicswith only two Lithium coin batteries for a long time. This newertechnology, which combines a variety of features involving both softwareand hardware, along with other features such as motion detector andlight sensor, wakeup and sleep mode with time control, and use of laserdiode in some applications, plus software versatility for futureimprovements, makes this invention distinctive from other lighteddisplays. U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,887 granted to James R. Layne on May 9,1995 is specifically intended for holding consumer products such as:video tape, audio tape and the like. In Layne's invention, a largeexternal battery compartment is used as a supporting base and holdslarger batteries with higher quantities, which makes it impractical forbeing used in a picture frame, while the current invention is aconventional picture frame combined with light, which is not a holder,and uses small batteries inside the body of the frame instead. Anotherdifference is that, in Layne's invention, the backing piece holds thelighting elements, while in the current invention, LEDs are directlyinserted into the holes provided on the frame itself, which makes itpossible for many frame manufacturers to easily modify their existingprocesses to accommodate this feature, by adding holes to frames forinstalling LED,s and to providing small compartment for printed circuitboard on the back of frame. Although there are some similarities betweenLayne's invention and the present invention, however, these twoinventions have been designed for two different purposes. Unfortunately,details of circuit control module in Layne's application is not revealedand circuit diagram is not provided, otherwise, it would be easy to showthat circuit elements and configuration of electronic components wouldbe totally different from the present invention in that the wholeelectronic control circuit in the present invention only consists of avery small in size and extremely low power consumption micro-controllerand one small resistor network in a preferred embodiment, all of whichfit onto a small printed circuit board. U.S. Pat. No. 6,420,008 issuedto Edward D. Lewis and Raymond W. Leung on Jul. 16, 2002 is alsodesigned for a totally different application, even though in the controlcircuit, it has some similarities with the present invention. U.S. Pat.No. 4,942,685 issued to Ling-Yung Lin on Jul. 24, 1990 is different fromthe present invention in that the lights are a hidden illumination loop,hiding behind the front cover and intended to illuminate the displayitem itself, as well as different control circuit with differentfeatures being used thereof. U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,606 issued to Randy B.Reynolds, on May 12, 1992 has some similarities with the presentinvention, still it has been designed for a different application andwith different features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention relates to a lighted picture framecomprising several colored LEDs, which are controlled by amicro-controller mounted on a printed circuit board. LED,s are uniformlyor non-uniformly distributed along the face of a frame, combined withdecoration and artwork of conventional picture frames, creating a noveland attractive lighted picture frame. LEDs can be in different colors orany combination of colors and types. In some applications, laser diodecan also be used in combination or instead of LED. In the preferredembodiment, a motion detector is used which is installed in the body ofthe frame and exposed to motion through a window provided thereof. Theentire electronic circuit can be the size of two adjacent quarters andthe battery can be installed on the aforementioned printed circuit boardand can be as small as a Lithium coin battery, depending on the size ofpicture frame and quantity of LEDs used. In one aspect, lighted pictureframe of the present invention has a motion detector, in which thelights will be turned on only when somebody has been moving nearby orpassed by the said frame, triggering the circuit. This will preventunnecessary power consumption and lengthen battery life.

[0009] In another aspect, a light sensor is provided, which can beadjusted to turn the lights on, only in dark or at night, when there isno sun shine and when light intensity is lower than some specified levelin a lighted room or environment, a feature, which can be combined withmotion detector to save the power even more.

[0010] In another aspect, a push button option, which can be combinedwith other options, is provided to arbitrarily turn the circuit on whenneeded, for only a duration of time that is specified by softwareembedded into the micro-controller. In another aspect, a jack isprovided to connect a DC adapter instead of using a battery or alongwith a battery.

[0011] In another aspect, the frame comprises a flange and front border,defining an interior viewing area. The aforementioned lighted pictureframe further comprises a windowed back plate along with a transparentplate securely receivable in the flange for holding a display item, suchas a picture, between the transparent plate and the back plate, wherethe item may be viewed in the interior viewing area. In another aspect,a printed circuit board comprising a micro-controller, a resistornetwork and all necessary connections to LEDs and other components, ismounted inside a compartment on the back of the frame.

[0012] Yet in another aspect, in case where battery is not mounted onprinted circuit board a battery holder is mounted inside a compartmenton the back of the frame.

[0013] Use of low current and high intensity LED,s will provide flashingpatterns that is even viewable in the day light, creating a fascinatingand wonderful feeling and converting a conventional picture frame intoan artwork which attracts the attention of viewers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is the front and sectional side view of the preferredembodiment of Lighted Picture Frame assembly according to the presentinvention.

[0015]FIG. 2 is the rear view of Lighted Picture Frame assembly ofFIG. 1. For the purpose of clarity, the back plate is shown separately.

[0016]FIG. 3 is the rear view of the easel back plate.

[0017]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the control circuit and an alternatearrangement of LED for Lighted Picture Frame of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0018] The present invention will be more readily understood from thedetail description of the preferred embodiment. No limitation of thescope of the invention is assumed. Figures are not on scale. In FIG. 1through FIG. 4, like or similar reference numbers represent like orcorresponding elements and features in all drawings.

[0019] Reference numbers of figures are listed below:

[0020]1—Picture Frame body

[0021]2—Flower decorating element

[0022]3—LED

[0023]4—Viewing area

[0024]5—Back Plate

[0025]6—Easel Leg Joint

[0026]7—Easel Leg

[0027]8—Screw

[0028]9—Hinge

[0029]10—Push Button

[0030]11—Battery Holder

[0031]12—Battery

[0032]13—Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

[0033]14—Turn Button

[0034]15—Micro-controller

[0035]16—Resistor Network

[0036]17—Light Sensor

[0037]18—Motion Detector

[0038]19—Standoff

[0039]20—Trench

[0040]21—Hole for LED legs

[0041]22—Wires

[0042]23—Flange

[0043]24—LED leg

[0044]25—Access window

[0045]FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are front and rear view of the presentinvention. For the sake of clarity, on FIG. 2 the back plate is shownseparately. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the lighted picture framegenerally includes frame (1), decorating element (2), LED (3), backplate (5), stand (7), light sensor (17), motion detector (18), wires(22) and printed circuit board assembly (13).

[0046] In this embodiment, total of 8 LED,s (3) are mounted in thecenter of 8 decorating flowers (2) mounted onto frame body (1). It isreadily appreciated that any number and type of LED,s and any number andtype of decorating elements may be used.

[0047] Display items, such as a picture is receivable in the viewingarea (4) between transparent plate and back plate, while seating on theflange (23), which is a seat for receiving transparent plate and displayitem. The flange (23) can have any geometric shape with transparentplate having corresponding or complementary shape.

[0048] Sectional cut-out AA shows details of electronic elements mountedon the printed circuit board (13) as well as back plate (5) and easelleg (7).

[0049] The printed circuit board (13) is screwed to the frame body (1),by two screws (8), and by using standoff (19).

[0050] A turn button (14) is provided to fix the access window (25) tothe back plate (5), and also serves as a handle to lift the accesswindow (25), when battery needs to be replaced.

[0051] Push button (10), which is mounted on the printed circuit board(13) acts as a toggle switch. This push button is exposed from the rearof the frame through a window and is accessible by user when intendingto manually wake up the processor (15) from sleep mode and start programflow, turning the lights on and flashing LED,s (3). Pressing the pushbutton (10) for the second time, will turn the lights off and will putthe Micro-controller (15) in sleep mode.

[0052] Micro-controller (15) is mounted on the PCB (Printed CircuitBoard) (13). A PLD (Programmable Logic Device) or ASIC (ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuit) device or any other device, which iscapable of providing current to lights, may be used instead ofmicro-controller (15).

[0053] A resistor network (16) is also mounted on the PCB (13) to limitthe current provided to LED,s (3).

[0054] Light Sensor (17) is exposed to light through a window providedon the face of the frame. Motion Detector (18) is also exposed to motionthrough a window provided on the front face of the frame (1) to wake upthe controller (15) from sleep mode when an object is moving nearby.After the duration set by the software programmed into themicro-controller (15), all lights turn off and processor (15) goes tosleep mode again. The light sensor (17), which is exposed to light fromthe front or side of the frame, is also provided to further prevent theprocessor from running during the day light when environment lightintensity is higher than some specified level, saving battery life evenmore. A battery holder (11) is soldered on the PCB (13) to hold areplaceable Lithium coin battery (12). Hinge (9) and turn button (14)are provided on a windowed portion of the back plate (5) which can belifted and make it possible to access battery (12) and replace thebattery when needed.

[0055] An easel leg (7) is attached to the back plate (5) through joint(6) to provide a stand for the picture frame.

[0056] LED legs (24) are brought to the back of the frame through theholes (21). LED,s (3) and other electronic devices are routed to the PCB(13) by wires (22) which are laid inside a trench (20) provided insidethe body, on the back side of the frame (1) under back plate (5). Inthis embodiment, wires (22) are soldered to printed circuit board (13).However, connectors or other means can be used to attach the wires tothe PCB (13). In this embodiment, wires (22) are wire-wrapped to LEDlegs (24), however, they can be soldered or attached by some othermeans. Printed Circuit wire may be used instead of wire (22).

[0057]FIG. 4 is a typical schematic diagram of the control module in thepresent invention as shown in FIG. 1. Depending on certain application,a different variation of the schematic diagram may be used.

[0058] It is understood that the invention is not limited to what isdisclosed and considered to be the preferred embodiment. The presentinvention is intended to cover equivalent arrangements and variousoptions included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thescope of claims presented in the present invention, are to be accordedthe broadest interpretation to encompass all modifications andstructures used in certain applications.

[0059] Frame (1) may be provided with a pattern using a conventionaltechnique, including any one or a combination of molding, painting,etching and the like. Lighted picture frame may be designed and beadapted to any special occasion and application.

What is claimed:
 1. A lighted picture frame comprising: I. A frame,including a flange and a border, defining interior viewing area. II. Aset of at least one LED (Light Emitting Diode), distributed evenly orunevenly alongside the front face of the frame, in a single arrangementor in groups, which are controlled and driven by a micro-controllerdevice under control of software programmed into the micro-controller.III. A printed circuit board comprising a micro-controller and a batteryholder, mounted in a compartment inside the body of the frame. IV. Amotion detector device, exposed through a window on the front face ofthe picture frame, intended to sense and detect motion near the pictureframe and to wake up the micro-controller from sleep mode when a motiondetected. V. A windowed easel back plate wherein a hinged leg isattached to the center window as a stand for the picture frame. VI.Wires or printed wires connecting LEDs and other electronic componentsto the printed circuit board. VII. A transparent plate to hold thedisplay item between the flange and the back plate. VIII. Frame coveringand decorations provided on or around the front face of the pictureframe.
 2. A lighted picture frame according to claim 1, wherein, LEDsmay be of any combination and of any type including but not limited toone-color, bi-color or tri-color, and come in any color combination,including but not limited to red, green, amber, yellow, blue.
 3. Alighted picture frame according to claim 2, wherein, each LED is exposedon the face of the frame and wired from the rear, and routed to theprinted circuit board through a trench opening provided on the back ofthe frame.
 4. A lighted picture frame according to claim 2, wherein,quantity of LEDs may only be limited by available space on the pictureframe and also may be limited by drive capability and pin availabilityof electronic components in the circuit.
 5. A lighted picture frameaccording to claim 1, wherein, the motion detector can be replaced witha push button or the push button can be added as an extra feature tomanually wake up the micro-controller from sleep mode or otherwise putit back into sleep mode. The push button mounted on the printed circuitboard is accessible and exposed from the back of the frame.
 6. A lightedpicture frame according to claim 1, wherein, the motion detector can bereplaced with a light sensor such as a photocell, or a light sensor canbe added as an extra feature, to prevent the micro-controller fromwaking up when the light intensity is higher than some specified level,such as in a high lighted environment or in the outside day light tosave more battery energy.
 7. A lighted picture frame according to claim1, wherein, the printed circuit board comprises of micro-controller, LEDconnections, push button if any, resistor network, motion detectorconnection, light sensing device connection if any, battery holder,Lithium coin battery and battery connection when an external batteryholder is used.
 8. A lighted picture frame according to claim 7,wherein, the micro-controller is controlled by software, which isembedded and programmed into the controller and different versions ofthe embedded code, virtually are capable of creating unlimited varietyof light patterns and sequences.
 9. A lighted picture frame according toclaim 7, wherein, a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) or ASIC (ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuit) or any other device capable of providingelectrical current and creating patterns and sequences of light andflashing, is being used instead of a micro-controller.
 10. A lightedpicture frame according to claim 1, wherein, the battery holder isexternal to the printed circuit board in a different embodiment andmounted in a compartment inside the body of the frame, instead of beingmounted on the printed circuit board. This is the case when higherquantity of LEDs are used, and therefore more power is required.
 11. Alighted picture frame according to claim 1, wherein, the wires orprinted wires are laid and routed inside a trench opening alongside theback of the frame under the back plate, which is providing a routingpath for connections between LEDs or other electronic components and theprinted circuit board.
 12. A lighted picture frame according to claim11, wherein, electrical connections between wires and other electronicelements including the printed circuit board and LEDs, may be made bydirect soldering, wire wrapping or by any other appropriate connectorsand connections.
 13. A lighted picture frame according to claim 1,wherein, the frame comprises a flange formed on a rear face thereof, forholding a display item such as a picture or a mirror between thetransparent plate and the back plate in the interior viewing area. Theflange may have a rectangular geometric shape or any other regular orirregular shape.
 14. A lighted picture frame according to claim 1,wherein, a back plate is windowed at the border of viewing area andcovers entire frame on the back side, including battery compartment ifany and covers the printed circuit board housing. The access window toviewing area is attached to the back plate at one edge which is bendableor hinged and detached from the back plate on other three edges and canbe fixed to the back plate by turn buttons mounted on the back plate andprovides access to the space designated for receiving a display itemviewable in the interior viewing area of the frame.
 15. A lightedpicture frame according to claim 14, wherein, a different kind of backplate in a different embodiment is windowed at the border of viewingarea and covers only the frame from the back side, including batterycompartment if any and covers the printed circuit board housing. Aseparate back piece with a corresponding size and shape of the viewingarea is attached to the internal walls of the viewing area by turnbuttons mounted on the said separate back piece, and with the hinged legattached to the said separate back piece.
 16. A lighted picture frameaccording to claim 14, wherein, a battery access window, is provided onthe back plate to access battery compartment, for replacing batterieswhen needed. The battery access window is attached to the back plate atone edge which can be bendable or hinged and detached from the backplate on other three edges and can be fixed to the back plate by a turnbutton mounted on the back plate.
 17. A lighted picture frame accordingto claim 1, wherein, the picture frame comprises a transparent platereceivable in the flange of the frame, between the frame and the backplate, for holding a display item between transparent plate and the backplate inside the interior viewing area.
 18. A lighted picture frameaccording to claim 1, wherein, the frame has a predetermined geometricshape, and wherein the back plate and the transparent plate have arespective corresponding or complementary shape.
 19. A lighted pictureframe according to claim 1, wherein, the frame may come in anycombination of shape, size, color and may be composed of any material orany combination of materials such as wood, molded plastic, aluminum,glass, ceramic, etc.
 20. A lighted picture frame according to claim 1,wherein, the frame may have a decorative pattern formed on the face ofthe frame or the border thereof, which can have any shape or size andcan be composed of any material or any combination of materials such aswood, molded plastic, aluminum, glass, ceramic, etc. The frame may havea decorating covering such as leather, aluminum, glass, etc., instead ofor along with the aforementioned decorative pattern formed on the faceof the frame.